The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is set to end its bilateral agreement with the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the United States. Talei Qarase-Borman, president of the Santa Rosa Methodist Church board, stated that this agreement was formed prior to the UMC’s decision to welcome LGBTQ clergy and to allow its ministers to conduct same-sex marriages.
Qarase-Borman noted that her church disaffiliated from the UMC in May, a move prompted by decisions taken at the UMC’s general conference. She mentioned that the Santa Rosa Methodist Church is now functioning independently under its newly-registered name.
At a recent conference, the topic of LGBTQ rights was discussed, with an emphasis on the necessity for the Fijian government to persist in resisting LGBTQ inclusivity. Qarase-Borman mentioned that the existing bilateral agreement with the UMC of California/Nevada restricts congregations that have left the UMC from joining the Methodist Church in Fiji.
She advocated for the church to take a firm stance regarding the bilateral agreement, noting that many iTaukei members within the UMC are awaiting clarification on this matter. Discussions have indicated that the conference does not endorse LGBTQ inclusivity.
Qarase-Borman expressed her understanding that the bilateral agreement will soon be terminated and that the Methodist Church in Fiji will commence the legal processes necessary to facilitate this. She expressed gratitude for the clarity provided by the church’s stance on the issue, while also acknowledging her friendships within the LGBTQ community and reiterating the importance of maintaining clear boundaries.